Dr. Krithi K. Karanth has made history by becoming the first Indian to receive the 2026 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year honor. The recognition highlights her decades of work in wildlife conservation, human-wildlife coexistence, and science-driven community action in India.
Karanth, who leads the Centre for Wildlife Studies, has built a career around solving one of India’s most urgent conservation challenges: how people and wildlife can share space safely and sustainably. The National Geographic Society said her work combines science, education, and community partnership to create lasting impact across landscapes where human-wildlife conflict is common.
According to the announcement, the award recognizes individuals whose work reflects the spirit of discovery and has a meaningful impact on protecting the planet. Karanth’s conservation programs have reached thousands of villages, schools, farmers, and local stakeholders, helping spread practical conservation methods and awareness at scale.
Her recognition is also significant because it marks the first time an Indian has received this honor, placing her among a small global group of explorers celebrated by National Geographic and Rolex. Karanth described the award as an important global platform to strengthen and expand her organization’s science-based conservation efforts.
Beyond the award itself, this milestone reflects the growing global relevance of Indian conservation leadership. Karanth’s achievement underscores how local action, when backed by research and education, can shape global conservation conversations.
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Amazing to know